Mary Alice Durand Borel

Mary Alice Durand Borel, 90, of Port Arthur passed away December 13, 2014 at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, Beaumont, TX. She was born on November 8, 1924 at the family home “Grand Bois” in St. Martinville, LA to John Marie and Isabelle Pedeaux Durand. Mary received her education from Isle Labbe and Sisters of Mercy Catholic School in St. Martinville, LA. Mary married Alton James Borel Sr., the love of her life, on May 17, 1944. Mary and Alton then moved to Port Arthur, TX where she devoted her time and effort to raise and educate her children.

As Mary’s youngest child was in high school, she began her career outside the home managing Frank’s Medical Mart. She later volunteered at Christus St. Mary Hospital. Mary performed these responsibilities with the same dedication and enthusiasm that she demonstrated during the years she gave exclusively to her children and husband; also known as “Paw Paw.”

Mary has always been a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She blessed each of their lives in countless ways. Mary’s passion has always been her family and she selflessly loved unconditionally, whether she was being called “Honey”, “Momma” or “Granny.” “Paw Paw” and “Granny” will always be the foundation of the Borel family. Their traditional Acadian values, such as loyalty, commitment and family first, are deep-rooted and have been passed down for four generations.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband of 68 years Alton James Borel, Sr., her brothers, Larry Durand, Paul Durand, Alcee John Durand, Marin Durand and her sisters Joyce Decourt. She is survived by her 6 children: Alton Borel, Jr. and wife Linda of Taylor Landing, TX, John Borel and wife Cathie of Eagan, MN, Alice Moore and husband Jerry of Port Neches, TX, Ann Duchamp and husband Glynn of Port Arthur, TX, Gail Freeman and husband Gary of Nederland, TX and Judy Nesbitt of Nederland, TX. She is a “Granny” to 11 grandchildren; Marc Borel, Jill Borel Tassin, Casha Duchamp Kersey, Cory Freeman, Tommy Moore, Brad Moore, Mitch Duchamp, Clint Moore, Clay Freeman, Cole Nesbitt, and Callie Nesbitt as well as 8 great grandchildren; Fisher Tate, Jolie Tassin, Jillian Tassin, Trapper Kersey, Kimber Kersey, Jolene Nesbitt, Creux Freeman, and Scarlett Nesbitt. She is also survived by her sisters Loretta Theriot and her husband Alex “Donnie” and Isabelle “Izzy” Daspit and her husband Willard.

A gathering of her family and friends will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a vigil at 6:00 p.m. at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home, Port Arthur. The family will also receive friends Wednesday December 17, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. At 9:30 a.m. the procession will begin from the funeral home to St. James Church for the mass at 10:00 a.m.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at St. James Catholic Church in Port Arthur with interment to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Groves.

To send condolences, please visit www.gammier-oberle.com. The family appreciates flowers, plants or charitable donations to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.